Second-placed Petrojet need a victory in Suez to close the gap with leaders Ahli to just a couple of points, amid the champions' recent stumbling.

"The Zamalek game is a huge opportunity for us to get closer to Ahli," said Petrojet boss Mokhtar Mokhtar.

"It is a very important game because it could help us maintain our position and open a gap with our rivals Zamalek and Ismaili."

But Mokhtar's side will have to end Zamalek's seven-game unbeaten run under Hossam Hassan, who has given the fallen Cairo giants hope after a dismal start to the season.

The Whites, who were languishing at the bottom half of the table in the first half of the season, are now ten points adrift of Ahli while having a game in hand.

Sunday's contest also provides an extra dimension of excitement as Mokhtar and Hassan clash for the first-time since a fiery TV spat last year, following the latter's former team Telecom Egypt's ill-tempered draw at Petrojet.

Team News

Petrojet are boosted by the return of several key men including defender Mohamed Al-Fakahani and international midfield duo Ahmed Shaaban and Mohamed Shaaban.

Top scorer Eric Bekoe is also available after serving a two-match suspension.

On the other hand, Zamalek will be without Egypt full-back Mohamed Abdul-Shafi who misses out through suspension. Sabri Rahil is set to deputize.

Center-half Mahmoud Fathallah is a major doubt after he missed Egypt's friendly in England with a facial injury.